Women make up half of Louisiana’s population but less than 25% of its legislature

The Newcomb Institute, in collaboration with Ellevate, recently examined women's representation in the Louisiana Legislature over the past 50 years

By: Anita Raj

Outlets: Louisiana Illuminator

Published: July 8, 2026

Words: 665

Last Updated: 2 weeks ago

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In 1936, Doris Lindsey Holland became the first woman to serve in the Louisiana Legislature. Nearly four decades later, in 1973, Lindy Boggs became the first woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Louisiana. Another generation passed before Mary Landrieu became the first woman elected to the U.S. Senate from Louisiana, in 1996.

These milestones mark important progress and demonstrate that Louisiana women have long contributed to public leadership. Yet they also …

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